Patton and his ballIt has been our policy to use our blog to share with all of you just how wondrous our family’s Caribbean cruising experience has been. Indeed, we think it has been a transformative experience for all of us. That said, magical trip or not, we have not been insulated from the ups and downs that life has for cruisers and our land based friends alike. Sadly, this post is not one that is likely to bring a smile to your face. We have kept this brief simply because the grief we are all feeling is something that has left us all without adequate words.
Monday, April 24, 2017, will be entered into the Pilots’ Discretion logbook as the saddest day of our Caribbean experience. We had to have our crew member, and all around best buddy Patton, euthanized at the veterinary clinic on St. Lucia. The specific illness that took our pal from us was a very aggressive metastatic series of mast cell tumors. The truth is that after 15 plus years of a wonderful life, Patton’s little body had worn out.
Our entire family was with Patton to the end. Ryan and Ronan waited in the clinic waiting room as the Dr. called Theresa, Patton, and I into the exam room. After the Dr. explained the specifics of the procedure, it was time to do what we dreaded but understood was in Patton’s best interest. Theresa and I held him in our arms as the last of his life ebbed away. Gladly, I can report that he did not suffer in those final moments. After he had passed, the entire crew of the Pilots’ Discretion took one last dinghy ride with our buddy so that Patton the “boat dog” could have a proper burial at sea. His final resting place is several miles offshore the island of St. Lucia.
We miss Patton terribly but we will never forget him.
Patton enjoying the sunset from The Bight, Norman Island, B.V.I.
pilotsdiscretiondotcom 
I am so very sad for all of you in this extremely difficult time. I know he was a wonderful member of the family.
I’m sending prayers for healing and comfort.
Sylvia Steeves
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Thank you Sylvia
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So sorry about Patton. A great boat dog.
John
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Thanks John and thank you for always welcoming Patton aboard your boat when we cruised together
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Very sweet tribute to Patton! He is the best salty sea dog I Know!🦈🐳🐋🐕
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We are sorry for Payton’s passing. He has been such a special family member, bringing many hours of joy. We well remember that cute, active, friendly guy who never passed up catching his ball.
Our hearts go out to all of you and thank you for sharing Patton’s photos.
Deepest sympathy,
Frank & Anette
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Thank you Frank and Anette
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SO sorry for your loss. I know how painful it can be and I grieve with you. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you gave him such a wonderful, exciting life filled with love and adventure.
God Bless,
Rick
* Capt Ric**hard (Rick) Odato, ATP, CFI*
Sarasota, Florida U.S.A. Email: rick@odato.com Phone: (941) 730-4461 http://www.suncoastskyview.com *Official Matterport Service Partner*
On Mon, May 1, 2017 at 4:01 PM, pilotsdiscretiondotcom wrote:
> Randy posted: ” It has been our policy to use our blog to share with all > of you just how wondrous our family’s Caribbean cruising experience has > been. Indeed, we think it has been a transformative experience for all of > us. That said, magical trip or not, we have not be” >
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Thanks for your kind words Rick
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Patton was a truly amazing dog. We are very sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful tribute with such great photos! With deepest sympathy!
Ken and Bonnie Bouwman
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What a blessed life Patton experienced as a member of your loving family. From one dog loving family to another, we certainly understand the sorrow you are feeling, and we extend our deepest sympathy.
Dee and Bob Coan
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Thanks guys for your kind words. We certainly know that you guys understand what we are feeling after going through the tough times with Teak🙁
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Randy; My condolences. Few know the pain. My most difficult times. Look at YouTube “willie Nelson -I’ve loved you all over the world. HQ -I listen to it often. Hope it soothes a bit. Walter Blackwell
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Thank you so much Walter, it means a lot. You and I have been joined at the hip for a lot of years to see that dogs are protected.
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Hi Randy, Theresa, Ryan, & Ronan – I feel sad, too, so I will just let my thoughts flow. I think any of us would do well to return as your dog. Randy, I met Patton only a few times, but recognized the great friendship between the two of you. He didn’t know where he was the past few years other than on a boat, but he knew he was where he wanted to be – with his friends and family. And what great friends you were/are. I think he understood the backpack when it came time for that land-based transportation for him: “Hmm-mm-m, a little cramped,” but this is how I stay with my family. When do we eat?”
Burial at sea, so sad, so final, so overwhelming. But with great tradition and purpose. Seafarers saying farewell to a beloved crewmember.
Take joy in the memories of the good times and sweet friendship.
My thoughts and a tear are with you.
John
On Mon, May 1, 2017 at 4:01 PM, pilotsdiscretiondotcom wrote:
> Randy posted: ” It has been our policy to use our blog to share with all > of you just how wondrous our family’s Caribbean cruising experience has > been. Indeed, we think it has been a transformative experience for all of > us. That said, magical trip or not, we have not be” >
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Sorry Buddy. No animal could have a better life than Yours. He was a much loved companion.
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So sorry for your loss of Patton. What a wonderful life he had. Joan McCleary (The Fontana 8)
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Bon voyage and rest in peace Patton.
Randy, Theresa, Ryan and Ronan, hugs and understanding condolences from a fellow dog lover. Though I can feel your pain now, slowly, eventually, the pain will begin to give way to the positive though poignant thoughts. May those days come sooner than later for you all.
“He was a good boy.”
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Thank you Scott
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Sorry for your families loss. He sounds like he was a great friend.
Joe
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Thanks Joe, he was a great little guy. Hope you are well.
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